Ailing Brownlee ‘wouldn’t be much of a help’ for Gilas vs Aussies–Cone

Gilas Pilipinas’ Justin Brownlee was sidelined against Australia in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Tim Cone said Justin Brownlee would hardly be a factor had he managed to suit up in Gilas Pilipinas’ 43-point loss to Australia in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers due to a hamstring injury.

Brownlee was scratched from Monday’s 92-49 setback against the Boomers, leaving Cone with the choice of going with an all-local unit that played catch-up all contest long at RAC Arena in Perth.

“Well, it wasn’t worth 40 points, that’s for sure,” Cone said. “He’s a guy that we could go through in tough moments. But he wasn’t just ready. He wouldn’t be much of a help the way he was feeling.”

Gilas had Brownlee during Friday’s 106-102 double overtime defeat at the hands of New Zealand, albeit being limited to five points.

Brownlee joined pregame protocols as he was introduced, while sporting a Gilas tracksuit.

Even sans Brownlee, Cone felt Gilas had the capabilities of making Australia sweat more, only to deal with turnovers that the hosts were able to translate into points.

“We felt we could come out and compete [against Australia],” said Cone. “But we only competed in stretches, and that is not good enough against a team of this caliber.

“There’s a reason why they are ranked No. 6 in the world. They had superior athletes out there, getting at us and made it a bit tough for us.”